Page 67 of 211

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
D Drive (automatic shift program)This position is designed for driving 
under all normal operating conditions. 
All forward gears are available, the 
Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) is 
fully operational."Kickdown"In the "Kickdown" mode, you achieve 
the maximum performance.
To activate this mode, depress the 
accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle position, at which a resistance 
point must be overcome.
M/S Manual operation and 
Sport ProgramShifting from D into M/S activates the 
Sport Program. This is indicated by 
"SD" in the gear selection display. This 
position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style. 
With the first brief touch, the automatic 
transmission shifts from the Sport 
Program to the manual mode.
When you move the selector lever 
forward in the "+" direction, the trans-
mission shifts up. When the lever is 
moved back in the "Ð" direction, the 
transmission shifts down. M1 to M5 
appear in the gear indicator.463de062
Upshifts or downshifts will only be 
carried out by the ATC at appropriate 
engine speeds and road speeds. If the 
engine speed is too high, for instance, a 
downshift will not be executed. The gear 
selected will appear briefly in the instru-
ment cluster followed by the current 
gear.
To accelerate quickly in the 
manual mode (to pass another 
vehicle, for instance), shift down manu-
ally or employ the kickdown mode.<
Shifting from M/S to the selector lever 
positions P, R and N is possible only by 
going through D. 
     
        
        Page 109 of 211

109n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Through-loading system
* 
The rear backrest is divided into two 
sections (one-third and two-thirds of the 
width of the seat). For carrying longer 
objects, you can fold down either 
section of the backrest separately.
To unlock, pull the lever corresponding 
to the section (arrow).460de154
The rear backrest section will move 
for-ward slightly when it is unlocked. 
Reach into the gap and pull the backrest 
down.
When you close the backrest, be 
sure that the retainer engages 
correctly. If it is not correctly engaged, 
transported cargo could enter the 
passenger compartment from the 
luggage compartment during brake 
applications or evasive maneuvers and 
endanger the vehicle occupants.<
The fittings at the corners of the 
luggage compartment provide you 
with a convenient means of attaching 
luggage nets
* and flexible straps for 
securing suitcases and luggage.
Refer also to "Cargo loading" on 
page 112.
460de153
Center 3-point-safety belt in the 
rear
* 
You can retract the 3-point-safety belt 
in the rear, before folding the through-
loading system back:
>Loosen the safety belt and put the 
buckle latch that is on the end of the 
safety belt into the bracket mounted 
on the rear window shelf (arrow).
To install a child restraint system 
always use the outer belts. The 
centre seat belt should only be used 
when it is necessary to secure three 
child restraint systems.
Do not modify the child restraint system 
in any way. If you do so, it will not 
provide your child with maximum 
protection.<462us054 
     
        
        Page 111 of 211
111n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Ski bag
*
LoadingWith through-loading system:
1 Fold the center armrest outward. 
Loosen the trim from the upper 
Velcro¨ fastener and place it on the 
armrest.
2 Press button 1 downward and swing 
the cover forward. 
3 Extend the ski bag between the front 
seats. The zipper provides conve-
nient access to stored items. It may 
be opened to allow the ski bag to 
dry. 
4 Press knob 2: the cover in the 
luggage compartment is unlocked.
To store the ski bag, perform the above 
steps in reverse sequence.394de119
Securing the load
Secure the skis or other objects in 
the bag by tightening the strap 
with the buckle.<
Please be sure that your skis are clean 
before loading them into the bag. Avoid 
damage from sharp edges during load-
ing. 
380de070 
     
        
        Page 112 of 211
112n
Cargo loadingStowing cargo If you are transporting a load in your 
BMW:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as 
possible Ð directly behind the back-
rests or the luggage compartment 
partition Ð and as low as possible.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>Do not pile objects higher than the 
top edge of the backrest.460de160
>If you are transporting very heavy 
loads when the rear seat is not occu-
pied, secure the outer safety belts in 
the opposite buckles (refer to the 
illustration).460de185
Securing the load >For small, light items, use the rubber-
lined non-skid side of the floor mat or 
secure with a luggage compartment 
net
* or elastic straps (refer to 
page 41).
>For large, heavy pieces, see your 
BMW center for load-securing 
devices
*. Lashing eyes (arrow) are 
provided at the inner corners of the 
luggage compartment for attaching 
these load-securing devices.
>Comply with the information 
enclosed with the load-securing 
devices.
460de161 
     
        
        Page 113 of 211

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
* 
Always position and secure the 
load correctly. If you do not, it can 
endanger the passengers during brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross 
vehicle weight and the permissible axle 
loads (refer to page 194). If you do, the 
operating safety of the vehicle is no 
longer ensured and you are in violation 
of the law.
Do not carry hard or heavy objects 
unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment. If you do so, they may be 
projected through the air during braking 
and evasive maneuvers, thus 
endangering vehicle occupants.<
AnchorsAccess to the anchors:
To open the cover (arrow), please use 
the tool included with the luggage rack 
system.
A special roof-rack system is available 
for your BMW as an optional extra. 
Please comply with the precautions in-
cluded with the installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of 
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they 
exercise a major effect on its handling 
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember 
not to exceed the approved roof weight, 
the approved gross vehicle weight or 
the axle weights when loading the rack. 
You will find the specifications under 
"Technical Data"  on page 194.462de271
Make sure that the load is not too heavy, 
and attempt to distribute it evenly. 
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on 
the bottom). Be sure that adequate 
clearance is maintained for raising the 
sliding/tilt sunroof, and that objects do 
not project into the opening path of the 
luggage compartment lid.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or 
being lost during driving (danger to 
following traffic).
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden ac-
celeration or braking. Do not corner at 
high speeds. 
The roof load increases the aerody-
namic resistance. Increased fuel 
consumption and additional stresses 
on the vehicle's body result from this. 
     
        
        Page 135 of 211
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
HoodTo closeAllow the hood to drop from a height of 
about 12 inches (30 cm) so that it audi-
bly engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the 
travel path of the hood is clear 
when it is closed, as with all closing 
procedures. 
If it is determined that the hood is not 
completely closed while driving, stop 
immediately and close it securely.<464de260 
     
        
        Page 150 of 211

150n
Caring for your vehicleCare of upholstery materials Depressions in the upholstery that 
result from everyday use can be 
brushed smooth by brushing against 
the nap with a lightly dampened brush.
The tendency of the pile to lie in a 
particular direction on velour upholstery 
is not a quality defect. Just as with 
home textiles or clothing, this cannot be 
avoided.
Lint on upholstery materials, rubbed-in 
fabric or suede residues can be re-
moved with a lint brush or Velcro¨ 
brush. A cleaning glove is available for 
especially "stubborn" lint. Stains and 
fairly large areas of dirt should be 
cleaned off without delay, using luke-
warm water and an interior cleaner, 
stain remover or appropriate cleaning 
fluid. Brush the fabric afterwards to 
restore its appearance.
If the vehicle will be stored for an 
extended period or if it is exposed to 
intense sunlight, cover all the seats or 
the windows to prevent fading.
Use cleaning and car-care 
products that you can obtain at 
your BMW center.<
The buildup of an electrostatic charge 
on the seat covers, particularly if 
atmospheric humidity is low, can give 
the occupants an unpleasant electric 
shock if they touch metal body parts 
after leaving the vehicle. Although this is 
not dangerous in any way, it can be 
avoided by touching a bare or polished 
metal part of the vehicle while getting 
out.
Leather care The leather upholstery
* used by BMW 
is a natural product of the highest 
quality, processed using state-of-the-
art methods to ensure that it will main-
tain its high quality for years to come, 
provided that it is properly cared for.
Because this product is manufactured 
using natural materials, you must make 
allowance for its special characteristics 
and for the peculiarities of its use and 
care.
Regular periodic cleaning and care are 
essential, as dust and road dirt act as 
abrasives in the pores and creases of 
the material. This leads to wear spots 
and premature brittleness on the 
surface of the leather. We therefore 
suggest that you clean the leather with 
a vacuum cleaner or cloth at frequent 
intervals.
For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning 
foam.
Since dirt and grease gradually attack 
the protective layer of the leather, the 
cleaned surfaces should be treated 
with BMW leather care agent. This also 
acts as an antistatic agent. 
     
        
        Page 166 of 211

166n
Changing a wheel>Spare tire or space-saver spare tire
Located next to the jack.
Loosen the wing nut (arrow) by hand, 
remove the storage tray and take out 
the spare wheel
>Lug wrench Ð is in the onboard tool 
kit on the underside of the luggage 
compartment lid (refer to page 158).460de059
Procedure1 Read and comply with the safety 
precautions provided on the 
previous page
2 Secure the vehicle from rolling:
Place the wedge against the rear 
surface of the front tire on the side 
opposite the side being raised. If 
the vehicle is parked on a down-
ward slope, place the wedge 
securely in front of the tire. If the 
wheel must be changed on a 
surface with a more severe slope, 
take additional precautions to 
secure the vehicle from rolling
3 If your wheels are equipped with full 
wheel covers
*: reach into the venti-
lation openings and pull off the 
cover
460de124
4 Loosen the lug bolts g turn 
5 Position the jack at the jacking point 
closest to the flat tire (refer to the 
center illustration) so that the jack 
base is vertically below the jacking 
point and the entire surface of the 
head of the jack will move into the 
square recess of the jacking point 
(refer to the illustration detail) when 
the jack is cranked
6 Jack the vehicle up until the wheel 
you are changing is raised from the 
ground
7 Unscrew the lug bolts and remove 
the wheel
8 Remove accumulations of mud or 
dirt from the mounting surfaces of 
the wheel and hub; clean the lug 
bolts460de190